The Bible presented for family reading read online. Bible set out for family reading

Other books on similar topics:

Orthodox doctrine understands the Holy Scriptures as part of the Holy Tradition, which, according to the Orthodox theologian V. N. Lossky, is “the action of the Holy Spirit in the Church.”

• “Man cannot live by bread alone,
  but with every word that proceeds from the mouth of God

  The role of Holy Scripture in the life of a little Christian

  Studying the Bible is an integral part of everyone's life. Orthodox man. According to legend, Mother of God I really loved reading the Holy Books. Christ Himself commands every person to heed His word.

  Orthodox doctrine understands the Holy Scriptures as part of the Holy Tradition, which, according to the Orthodox theologian V. N. Lossky, is “the action of the Holy Spirit in the Church.” Sacred Tradition, in addition to texts and written institutions, includes church practice and traditions. And, perhaps, the most important thing in the Holy Tradition is the inexpressible personal spiritual experience that passes from generation to generation. And therefore, one of the tasks of Orthodox parents is to transfer this spiritual experience to their children.

  Thus, Holy Scripture is a recorded part of the life of the Holy Spirit in the Church. And therefore it represents the most objective way of a person’s personal communication with God, and it should begin from a very early age.

  “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." Every encounter with the Bible is a kindness thrown into a young soul. We can't be lazy like this important issue, because we will give an answer at the Last Judgment for what was entrusted to us. This means that we must try to sow these seeds in good faith. The Lord Himself will grow the fruits so that His promise about those times when “both the sower and the reaper will rejoice together” will come true ().

  Introducing a child to the Bible: first steps

  First of all, one cannot help but say about the special role of the Gospel in the Holy Scriptures. The New Testament books complete Divine Revelation and bring it to its fullness. The Gospel tells about Jesus Christ, whose life should become an example for us to follow, and points to love as the basis of the Kingdom of God established by Christ. To emphasize the significance of the New Testament, it is very good to give each child his own copy of the Gospel with bright pictures and good binding, and make its daily reading a pious family tradition.

  When considering the issue of children's reading, you should decide on the age range and methodology.

  So, when should you start reading sacred texts to your child? This problem is not difficult due to the fact that there are simply no age limits! The Gospel itself shows us that every person is such already in his mother’s womb: “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb.” (). Infant John the Baptist, carried by righteous Elizabeth, shows us God’s ability to act on everyone, even a very small person.

  We must remember that a personal meeting with the Lord happens at some point to everyone who strives for heaven. It will certainly happen in the child, but how and when depends largely on the mother.

  Everything that happens to the mother also happens to her baby while he is in the womb. They are closely connected during this period, but will continue to be closely connected subsequently. A little person, albeit unconsciously, absorbs any information about the world, and the main source of this information becomes the closest thing he has in this world - his mother. It is for this reason that regular reading of the Holy Scriptures is especially important for a mother - so, through the mysterious ways of maternal love, she will be able to convey to the child part of her personal cognitive experience.

  Regarding the issue of reading the Holy Scriptures to already relatively conscious children, it is difficult to determine universal age criteria - it all depends on individual characteristics. However, in general, small children living in the world of fairy tales are most receptive to parables and various visual images from the Gospel. So, good example The image of the good shepherd can serve, symbolizing Christ since Old Testament times: “As a shepherd He will feed His flock; He will take the lambs in His arms and carry them on His bosom, and lead the milking ones” (). You can also remember David, who was also a shepherd and guarded the sheep from evil lions.

  Visualization of the study

  The famous teacher of the 19th century K. D. Ushinsky noted the need to supplement the narrative with pictures: “Who has not noticed that in our memory those images that we ourselves have perceived through contemplation are preserved with particular strength and that we easily and we simply attach even abstract ideas that would otherwise be erased from memory.”

  A person perceives the surrounding reality through the senses. Didactics teaches us that acquaintance with new objects forms in the child a certain concept, consisting of a complex of information received. At the same time, the sense organs transmit different amounts of it and, accordingly, have different values ​​in understanding the world. Figuratively speaking, in one period of time, per conventional unit of auditory information there are ten units of tactile information and one hundred units of visual information. Consequently, a person receives more than 80% of information about the world around him through vision. This fact indicates the exceptional importance of a visual presentation of the material being studied. If you use all the senses, then the effectiveness will be maximum due to the general interconnection and systematic thinking of a person.

  The illustrations used are of great importance. This is due to the fact that the biblical images reflected by the artist will remain with the young reader for life. As a positive recommendation, you can use the famous “Children's Bible”.

  “Children's Bible” by Borislav Arapovich and Vera Mattelmäki.

  The narrative in this book is adapted for the little ones. However, at the end of each passage there are links to the retold text of the Holy Scripture, which makes it possible to use a mixed approach to study.

  It is noteworthy that the Children's Bible, although originally intended for children, gained some popularity among adults. Therefore, from the second edition, additions aimed at mature readers were placed in it. These additions will be useful to parents themselves for a deeper understanding of the meaning of the text being studied. Perhaps the most important thing in the Children's Bible is the amazingly colorful illustrations that accompany each reading passage.

  In addition, for older ages, at the end of the book there are geographic Maps and photographs of places of biblical events, which makes it not only a colorful, but also a methodologically useful tool for studying Sacred History.

  Engravings by French artist Gustave Doré

  Taking apart important role visual representation in the study of the Holy Scriptures, one cannot fail to mention the famous engravings of the French artist Gustave Doré (1832-1883). During his life, the artist depicted hundreds of beautiful illustrations describing biblical scenes. His work can rightfully be considered a classic artistic interpretation of the Bible.

  For older children (from 10 years old), the works of Gustave Doré can be an excellent addition to regular reading. The realistic style of the paintings makes the pages of the Bible come alive, the reader seems to be experiencing the events described, and the biblical characters look genuinely believable. Although Gustave Doré was criticized during his lifetime, his illustrations have stood the test of time and are still valued today as a vivid depiction of biblical history.

  Parables and Images

  One priest said that when a child asked what he should do if he got lost, he answered:

  - Stop and pray, and I will find you.

  When introduced to the parable of the lost sheep, the child was able to feel it as his own own experience. Analogies are necessary at any age - they serve as a tool to show the relevance of Biblical stories for every person and every time.

  When a child loses his own toys, he becomes upset and cries. This experience can be used to show God's sorrow for every lost human soul.

  It is useful for a growing child to tell parables. The parable of the sower shows by analogy that just as life is born in nature, so good qualities are born in the human soul.

  The parable of the workers in the vineyard appeals to the sense of justice that is very developed in children. It is very complex and, at the same time, very useful in view of the fact that it is very difficult to explain equal reward received by employees.

  The parable of the prodigal son is very multifaceted. IN younger age it can be explained in such a way that the prodigal son is the one who is lost and cannot find his way home. This turns the child to personal experience when he himself was lost and could not find his mother. Despite some inaccuracy of interpretation, this meaning will be most accessible to the child.

  From a certain age, questions will begin to appear and the process itself will move to a new stage - from simple reverent attention to a discussion of what has been read. Here the second question arises: how to introduce children to Sacred History?

  For those who are older

  K.D. Ushinsky, already mentioned by us, gave the following recommendations. Herself church life disposes us to study Scripture, including through church holidays. The service is combined with the mother’s story and a joyful feeling - all this revives ancient historical events in the children’s imagination.

  At the same time, it is better to divide the story into two stages. At the first stage, the child is introduced to the main points of the event; at the second stage, secondary features are added to them. This method allows you to avoid a situation where a child takes away little things from a long story and does not notice the main thing. Of course, when reading together, the clarity of the narrative, feedback through questions, comprehension of what is read, and regularity of activities are important.

  Readings should be carried out in such a way that they are not a burden to children. As noted by N.E. Pestov (quoting Ushinsky’s recommendations), it is permissible to engage in some kind of handicraft - drawing, origami, embroidery or something else. But a fussy attitude or a tense environment is unacceptable. We must remember that our goal is to instill in children a love of reading the Word of God, to show them that It is the main compass of life and a means of communication with God. To do this, we must trust Him ourselves and rely on Him, entrusting ourselves and our works.

  On the verge of school age...

  As mentioned above, for childhood It is preferable to be introduced to the Holy Scriptures in the form of a story adapted for children's age. A classic representative of this form of study can be considered the Children's Bible, adapted by Borislav Arapovich and Vera Mattelmäki. Currently, many other books have been published to introduce children to Sacred History, when choosing which it is best to focus on authors and publishing houses blessed by the Orthodox Church.

  However, with constant reliance on adapted publications, by the time of primary school age the approach to the study of the Holy Scriptures should undergo some changes.

  When analyzing sacred history, it is useful to learn to ask questions that teach a teenager to think. For example, why did God not accept Cain's sacrifice? It is worth talking about the need for a reverent attitude towards every matter of communication with God: the Sacraments, prayer and visiting church.

  When studying the history of the battle with the Amalekites (), it is useful to pay attention to the fact that the success of any human activity depends on God - and therefore you need to turn to Him for blessing before any important matter.

  Returning to the parable of the prodigal son, it is worth noting that throughout life a person often finds himself in the position of a prodigal son. And it is quite possible, even during the course of a day, to depart from the Father more than once through one’s own sins.

  It is useful for children of primary school age to be recommended to read books that educate the concept of righteousness. Such holy fathers as Ignatius Brianchaninov, Theodosius of Optina, and Theophan the Recluse at a young age were very fond of reading the lives of Christian ascetics. Subsequently, they noted that what they read sank deeply into their souls and left a mark for the rest of their lives. For example, Ignatius Brianchaninov will write in his notes, turning to God: “Your Pimens, Sysoi and Macarii captivated my soul.” Getting to know the life of the holy ascetics in early age protected the future saint from the temptations of youth and directed him to the monastic path of serving God.

  Tactile memory

  In preschoolers and junior schoolchildren All three channels of perception of the world are equally developed: auditory, visual and tactile. At the same time, the speed of writing almost always corresponds to the speed of the child’s thinking, which allows him to think about information while writing it. In addition, a complete picture is created that is reliably imprinted in his memory - motor memory is quite reliable and durable.

  The stage of early school age can be considered transitional - parents, although not abandoning the study of the Holy Scriptures in an adapted form, can include original quotations from the Synodal translation. You can keep a notebook in which you write down one main quote from each reading.

  Adolescence

  From some point, which must be determined individually by each parent, reading the Bible should move to fundamentally new level. The transition from perception in the form of a fairy tale to analogies and building a connection between Sacred history and modern life. Middle and senior school age the emphasis shifts from imparting knowledge to building relationships in Christ. It becomes necessary to bring the Gospel into our daily life and reflection of its relevance in modern conditions. good news should not remain a fairy tale, but should turn into a faithful life partner for a young Christian.

  Adolescence, due to its spirit of protest, needs stories that highlight individuals. The teenager needs to be told about personalities, about those people who entered into holy books to become a part of our lives. Each character in Holy Scripture went through a certain path that made him legendary personality. At this stage, it is very important to show that despite any genius, a person still needs the help of the Creator and is not able to achieve holiness on his own. At the same time, the Lord helps everyone who wants to grow.

  With teenagers, it is best to read the Bible in the Slavic translation. A good practice is the obligatory weekly reading on Saturday evening - analysis of the Gospel passage read at the Sunday service. Savvy parents can also review Old Testament passages with their children before reading the corresponding proverbs.

  Methodological base

  The most important thing for a Bible teacher, whether a parent or a teacher, is to experience God's Word in a living way. The teenager should see your sincerity in experiencing the Sacred Texts and this will be the most important support for any technique.

  Translation for reading in adolescence It is best to use synodal. If you study the Bible through analysis of the beginnings or chapters, it will be very useful after reading the Synodal translation to read the same passage in Church Slavonic (Elizabethan Bible). In this way, you will gradually teach your teenager to understand liturgical language.

  At this age, it becomes necessary to carefully select the interpretation of the Old and New Testament. The parent will need some pre-reading preparation. We can recommend interpretations of the Gospel of St. John Chrysostom and Blessed Theophylact of Bulgaria. The latter, in case of lack of time, can simply be read out - the work of Theophylact of Bulgaria is written down very well in simple language. For teaching, it is recommended to use the “Four Gospels” by Archbishop Averky (Taushev) - the classic tutorial students of theological schools.

  The interpretations of St. Ephraim the Syrian may be useful for the Old Testament. Leading methodological manuals throughout the Bible is the “Explanatory Bible” by A.P. Lopukhina. A simpler presentation is presented in the “Biblical History” of Metropolitan Benjamin (Pushkar).

  The fundamental collection of patristic interpretations is the 27-volume series “Biblical Commentaries of the Fathers of the Church and Other Authors of the 1st–8th Centuries,” edited by Konstantin Gavrilkina and Sergei Kozina.

  Translation of the Psalter by S. S. Averintsev

  You can awaken a teenager’s interest in the Psalter by combining reading in Church Slavonic with reading a poetic translation created by Sergei Sergeevich Averintsev.

  Why this particular translation? The fact is that the task of interpreting a sacred text requires not only theological erudition, but also a strong inner spiritual feeling. The psalms of David are filled with strong religious emotions - and every word in the psalms was spoken in the face of the Living Lord. Sergei Sergeevich Averintsev, being a talented philologist and biblical scholar, approached the task of translating the Psalter with extreme responsibility. He was able to carry the sacred meaning of the psalms through the language barrier and the difficulties of poetic presentation, preserve their spiritual fullness, making them accessible to the understanding of the Russian people.

  For many people (and especially teenagers), the obstacles to understanding the deep inner spiritual experience in the psalms turn out to be insurmountable due to cultural differences in modern literature and the sacred text. And therefore, through an inspired and talented person, a step is taken towards those who want to touch ancient spiritual poetry.

  Conclusion

  When bringing the Word of God to teenagers, we should remember that from about the age of seven, a child is called to the Sacrament of Repentance. In adolescence small man already able to accept Jesus Christ, accept His Sacrifice and the covenant made with people.

  It is important to understand that in the Bible the concept of “learning” implied the constant study of the Holy Scriptures and the subsequent application of the experience gained in real life, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is necessary to help the teenager realize this.

  Adolescence involves some psychological characteristics. A person at this age, living in the present, turns his gaze to the future, preparing himself for adult life. The aspirations for self-knowledge, self-expression and self-affirmation are clearly expressed - all this is a natural process of development and can be realized in a soul-saving form.

  During adolescence, a person urgently needs close communication with people who show love to him. Through this, their psychological needs are satisfied.

  1. Raising self-esteem. Almost every teenager feels inferior in some area of ​​life. It is necessary to help him realize his own need for you, God and His Church.
  2. Feeling needed. One of the church parishes conducted a survey, as a result of which it became clear that young people are looking for friends in Sunday school, first of all. For children of adolescence, it is important to feel that they belong to a certain group, and it is very good if such a group is a Christian community.
  3. Communication with the opposite sex. One of the important problems of adolescence is the difficulty of properly building relationships with the opposite sex. It is quite difficult to acquire such a skill at home, however, church meetings are designed to teach young people proper communication between themselves.
  4. Social adaptation. Every teenager asks questions about self-importance for society and personal purposes in it. By getting acquainted with the Bible and the Orthodox faith, the young man has the opportunity to find answers to some personal questions.

  The above factors suggest that, despite the importance home study Bibles together with parents, with the transitional age stage there is a significant need for contact with peers in the Orthodox teenage society.

THE BIBLE PRESENTED FOR FAMILY READING. GOOD FRIDAY JESUS ​​BEFORE PILATE. Condemnation of the Lord to death. “When the morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people had a meeting concerning Jesus, to put Him to death; and, having bound Him, they took Him away and handed Him over to Pontius Pilate, the governor. Then Judas, who betrayed Him, saw that He was condemned, and, repenting, returned the thirty pieces of silver to the high priests and elders, saying: I have sinned by betraying innocent blood. They said to him: What is that to us? take a look yourself. And, throwing away the pieces of silver in the temple, Judas went out, went and hanged himself. The high priests, taking the pieces of silver, said: it is not permissible to put them in the church treasury, because this is the price of blood. Having held a meeting, they bought a potter's land with them for the burial of strangers; Therefore, that land is called “land of blood” to this day. Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled, saying: And they took thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him who was valued, whom the children of Israel valued, and gave them for the potter’s land, as the Lord said to me.” (Matthew 27:1-10) So, Jesus is in the ruler’s house. Pilate was one of those people for whom personal peace is more valuable than truth, more valuable than anything else. Meanwhile, he had the difficult task of defending Jesus, against whom the Jews were so irritated. Pilate himself did not suspect anything worthy of condemnation in Him and understood that the only reason for the anger against Jesus was religious fanaticism and the envy of the high priests. But he understood the danger to himself from the vengeful spiritual leaders of the Jewish people, who in their bitterness would not spare him. If you go against them, then they will be able to arouse the suspicions of the Roman government itself if they present Pilate as the defender of a Jew, whom the people are ready to recognize as king. Like any pagan of that time, an unbeliever and indifferent to the sense of moral duty and to any religion, Pilate himself was not evil person . However, despite all his contempt for the Jews and their religious strife, he becomes an instrument of the Pharisees’ malice against Christ. Pilate does not save their Victim, even innocent in his eyes, but betrays Him completely to the hatred of enraged murderous enemies. And thus he himself becomes guilty of the death of Christ. -What do you accuse This Man of? - Pilate addressed the obligatory question to Jesus’ accusers. “If He had not been a villain, we would not have betrayed Him to you,” they arrogantly answered Pilate. Having finally realized what embittered people he was dealing with, and realizing that it was unsafe to expose himself to the prejudice of Emperor Tiberius against himself, Pilate did not hesitate to give in to them. However, he tried to distance himself from interfering in their obviously unjust cause. “Take Him, and judge Him according to your law,” he decided at first, but the Jews objected to him that they “are not allowed to put anyone to death” without the permission of the Roman authority placed over them. “Then Pilate entered the praetorium again, and called Jesus, and said to Him: Are you the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him: Are you saying this on your own, or have others told you about Me? Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Your people and the chief priests delivered You up to me; what did you do? Jesus answered: My kingdom is not of this world; If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would fight for Me, so that I would not be betrayed to the Jews; but now my kingdom is not from here. Pilate said to Him: So are You a King? Jesus answered: You say that I am a King. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I came into the world, to testify to the truth; everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice. Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And, finally convinced that the words of Jesus did not contain anything outrageous against the actual power of the Romans, to protect which he was appointed, “he went out to the Jews and said to them: I find no guilt in Him.” (John 18:29-38) “But they insisted, saying that He was disturbing the people by teaching throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee to this place. Pilate, hearing about Galilee, asked: Is He a Galilean? And having learned that He was from Herod’s region, He sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem these days. Herod, seeing Jesus, was very happy, for he had long wanted to see Him, because he had heard a lot about Him, and hoped to see some miracle from Him, and asked Him many questions, but He did not answer him. The chief priests and scribes stood and vigorously accused Him. But Herod and his soldiers, having humiliated Him and mocked Him, dressed Him in light clothes and sent Him back to Pilate. And that day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for before they had been at enmity with each other. Pilate, having called the high priests and rulers and the people, said to them: you have brought this man to me as one who corrupts the people; and behold, I examined before you and did not find this man guilty of anything of which you accuse Him; and Herod also, for I sent Him to him; and nothing was found in Him worthy of death; So, having punished Him, I will release Him.” (Luke 23:5-16) On the Easter holiday, the ruler had the following “custom of releasing to the people one prisoner whom they wanted. At that time they had a famous prisoner called Barabbas (who was imprisoned for causing disturbance and murder in the city); So, when they had gathered, Pilate said to them: whom do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ? for he knew that they had betrayed Him out of envy.” “While he was sitting in the judgment seat, his wife sent him to say: Do not do anything to the Righteous One, because now in a dream I have suffered a lot for Him. But the chief priests and elders stirred up the people to ask Barabbas and to destroy Jesus. Then the governor asked them: which of the two do you want me to release to you? They said: Barabbas. Pilate says to them: What will I do to Jesus, who is called Christ? Everyone tells him: let him be crucified. The ruler said: what evil has He done? But they shouted even more loudly: let him be crucified.” (Matthew 27:15-23) “Then Pilate took Jesus and ordered him to be beaten. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns, placed it on His head, and dressed Him in purple, and said: Hail, King of the Jews! and they struck Him on the cheeks. Pilate went out again and said to them: Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, so that you may know that I do not find any guilt in Him. Then Jesus came out wearing a crown of thorns and a scarlet robe. And Pilate said to them: Behold, Man! When the high priests and ministers saw Him, they shouted: Crucify Him, crucify Him! Pilate says to them: Take Him and crucify Him; for I find no fault in Him. The Jews answered him: We have a law, and according to our law He must die, because He made Himself the Son of God. Pilate, hearing this word, became more afraid. And again he entered the praetorium and said to Jesus: Where are you from? But Jesus did not give him an answer. Pilate says to Him: Do you not answer me? Don’t you know that I have the power to crucify You and the power to release You? Jesus answered: You would not have any power over Me if it had not been given to you from above; therefore there is greater sin on him who delivered Me to you. From that time on, Pilate sought to release Him. The Jews shouted: if you let Him go, you are not a friend of Caesar; Anyone who makes himself a king is an opponent of Caesar. Pilate, having heard this word, brought Jesus out and sat down at the judgment seat, on a place called Liphostroton (stone platform), and in Hebrew Gavvatha. Then it was the Friday before Easter, and it was six o’clock. And Pilate said to the Jews: Behold, your King! But they shouted: take him, take him, crucify him! Pilate says to them: Shall I crucify your king? The high priests answered: We have no king except Caesar.” (John 19:1-15) Then “Pilate, seeing that nothing helped, but the confusion was increasing, took water and washed his hands before the people, and said: I am innocent of the blood of this Righteous One; look you. And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” And then, finally, Pilate “beat Jesus and delivered him up to be crucified.” (Matthew 27:24-26) CRUCIFIXION “And when they had led Him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the field, and laid a cross on him to carry after Jesus. And a great multitude of people and women followed Him, weeping and lamenting for Him. Jesus turned to them and said: Daughters of Jerusalem! Do not weep for Me, but weep for yourself and for your children, for the days are coming in which they will say: Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that have not given birth, and the breasts that have not nursed! then they will begin to say to the mountains: fall on us! and the hills: cover us! For if they do this to a green tree, what will happen to a dry tree? They also led two villains with Him to death. And when they came to a place called Lobnoye, there they crucified Him and the villains, one on the right, and the other on the right. left side . Jesus said: Father! forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. And the people stood and watched. The rulers also mocked them, saying, “He saved others, let him save himself, if he is the Christ, God’s chosen one.” Likewise, the soldiers mocked Him, coming up and offering Him vinegar and saying: If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself. And there was an inscription over Him, written (by order of Pilate) in Greek, Roman and Hebrew words: This is the King of the Jews.” (Luke 23:26-38) “Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was not far from the city. The chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate: Do not write: King of the Jews, but what He said: I am the King of the Jews. Pilate answered: What I wrote, I wrote. When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took His clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier, and a tunic; The tunic was not sewn, but entirely woven on top. So they said to each other: we will not tear it apart, but let us cast lots for it, whose it will be, so that what is spoken in Scripture may be fulfilled: they divided My garments among themselves and cast lots for My clothing (see Ps. 21:19). This is what the warriors did." (John 19:20-24) “One of the hanged villains slandered Him and said: if You are the Christ, save Yourself and us. The other, on the contrary, calmed Him down and said: Or are you not afraid of God, when you yourself are condemned to the same thing? and we are condemned justly, because we accepted what was worthy of our deeds, but He did nothing bad. And he said to Jesus: remember me, Lord, when you come into your kingdom! And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” “At the cross of Jesus stood His Mother and His Mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus, seeing His Mother and the disciple standing there, whom He loved, said to His Mother: Woman! Behold, Your son. Then he says to the disciple: Behold, your Mother! And from that time on, this disciple (John the Theologian) took Her to him.” (Luke 23, 39–43. John 19, 25–27) DEATH OF THE SAVIOR “At the sixth hour darkness came over all the earth and continued until the ninth hour. At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice: Eloi! Eloi! lamma sabachthani? - which means: My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me? Some of those standing there heard it and said, “Look, he is calling Elijah.” And one ran, filled a sponge with vinegar, and putting it on a reed, gave Him a drink, saying, “Wait, let’s see if Elijah comes to take Him down.” “After this Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, I thirst. When he tasted the vinegar, he said, “It is done!” (Mark 15, 33–36. John 19, 28, 30) “Jesus cried out with a loud voice and said: Father! into Your hands I commend My spirit.” “And bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.” “And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom; and the earth shook; and the stones dissipated; and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were resurrected and, coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and those who were guarding Jesus with him, seeing the earthquake and everything that happened, were greatly afraid and said: Truly this was the Son of God.” (Luke 23, 46. John 19, 30. Matthew 27, 51-54) “And all the people who had come to see this spectacle, seeing what was happening, returned, beating their breasts. And all those who knew Him, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood afar off and beheld this.” “But since it was Friday then, the Jews, so as not to leave the bodies on the cross on Saturday - for that Saturday was a great day - asked Pilate to break their legs and take them off. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus, when they saw Him already dead, they did not break His legs, but one of the soldiers pierced His ribs with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. And he who saw it bore witness, and his testimony is true; he knows that he speaks the truth so that you may believe. For this happened, that the Scripture might be fulfilled: Let not His bone be broken (see Ex. 12:46). Also in another place the Scripture says: they will look at Him whom they have pierced (see Zech. 12:10).” (Luke 23, 48-49. John 19, 31-37) BURIAL OF THE SAVIOR “Then a certain man named Joseph, a member of the council, a good and truthful man, who did not participate in the council and in their work, from Arimathea, a city of Judea, was waiting also the Kingdom of God, came to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.” “And Pilate allowed it. He went and took down the body of Jesus. Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also came and brought a composition of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred liters. So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in swaddling clothes with spices, as the Jews are wont to bury. At the place where He was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden there was a new tomb (carved into the rock), in which no one had yet been laid. They laid Jesus there for the sake of the Friday of the Jews (and the coming of the Sabbath), because the tomb was near.” (Luke 23, 50–52. John 19, 38–42) “And, having stopped big Stone to the door of the tomb,” they left. There were also “women who came with Jesus from Galilee, and looked at the tomb, and how His body was laid out; Having returned, they prepared incense and ointments; and on the Sabbath they remained at rest according to the commandment.” (Matt. 27, 60. Luke 23, 55–56).

In the book you are holding in your hands, biblical stories are presented in an abbreviated and adapted form for family reading.

The book of books, the “Eternal Book”, the Bible throughout human history remains the main source of knowledge of God and His creation - the visible and invisible worlds. Thousands of generations have been studying this Divine Revelation in order to find in it answers to the main questions of existence, in order to distinguish good from evil, and truth from lies, in order to know the boundless love of God for man and to find on earth the right path to heaven.

Introduction

OLD TESTAMENT

I. Creation of the world and man
P. Life of the first people in paradise. Losing paradise
III. Life of people before the Flood
IV. global flood. Exit from the ark to earth
V. Burnt offering to Noah. Curse of Ham. Tower of Babel
VI. Father of the Believers Abraham
VII. Isaac and Jacob
VIII. Joseph and the sons of Jacob in Egypt
IX. Slavery of the Israelites in Egypt. Moses
X. Moses and Pharaoh
XI. Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt
XII. Moses the lawgiver
XIII. The Jews' Forty Years of Wandering in the Desert
XIV. Last year life of Moses
XV. Conquest and division of the Promised Land
XVI. The times of the judges. Captivity and release
XVII. Ruth and Naomi
XVIII. Eli and Samuel
XIX. Samuel, Saul and David
XX. Reign of David
XXI. Psalms of King David
XXII. Reign of Solomon
XXIII. Division of the Jewish Kingdom into Judah and Israel
XXIV. The final fall of the kingdom of Israel and Judah
XXV. Captivity in Babylon and return to the Fatherland
XXVI. Book of Tobit
XXVII. Book of Judith
XXVIII. Book of Esther
XXIX. Book of Job
XXX. Teaching books
XXXI. Prophets
XXXII. Books of Maccabees

NEW TESTAMENT

I. Annunciation. Nativity of John the Baptist
II. Nativity of Jesus Christ
III. Childhood and adolescence of Jesus Christ
IV. John the Baptist. Baptism of Jesus Christ. Temptation by an evil spirit
V. The first year of the Savior's public ministry
VI. Second year of the Savior's public ministry
VII. Third year of the Savior's public ministry
VIII. Great days of Holy Week
VIII. The Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ
IX. Acts of the Holy Apostles
X. Apostolic Epistles
XI. Apocalypse, or Revelation of the Holy Apostle John the Theologian

Buy or order online "The Bible set out for family reading", as well as other Orthodox books and literature, icons, Orthodox gifts and souvenirs, Orthodox jewelry, pectoral crosses and icons, shelves and shelves for icons, icon stands, corner and straight home iconostases for houses or apartments, as well as various lecterns and church utensils can be found in the Orthodox online store Blagochestie.RU with delivery in Moscow, the Moscow region, St. Petersburg and throughout Russia.

The days of celebrating Easter are over; those who came from everywhere for the holiday in Jerusalem returned home, and the disciples of Jesus, according to His word, went to Galilee, where He had already preceded them, and again at Lake Tiberias Jesus glorified Himself with numerous miracles and Divine teachings. Jesus appeared to His disciples in this way:

“There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas, who is called the Twin, and Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples. Simon Peter says to them: I am going to fish. They say to him: you and I are going too. They went and immediately got into the boat, and did not catch anything that night. And when morning had already come, Jesus stood on the shore; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus says to them: children! do you have any food? They answered Him: no. He said to them: cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will catch it. They cast, and could no longer pull out the nets from the multitude of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “This is the Lord.” Simon Peter, hearing that it was the Lord, girded himself with clothing - for he was naked - and threw himself into the sea. And the other disciples arrived on a boat - for they were not far from the land, about two hundred cubits - dragging a net with fish. When they came to the ground, they saw a fire laid out and fish and bread lying on it.

Jesus says to them: Bring the fish that you have now caught. Simon Peter went and pulled down to the ground a net filled with big fish, of whom there were one hundred and fifty-three; and with such a multitude the network did not break through. Jesus says to them: Come, have dinner. None of the disciples dared to ask Him: Who are you? knowing that it is the Lord. Jesus comes, takes the bread and gives them fish as well. This was the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection from the dead.” (John 21, 1–14)

“As they dined,” Simon Peter probably felt dejected, being in the presence of the One whom he had denied three times in fatal moment. The Lord, who by His Divine power raises His chosen ones who love Him even from the depths of their fall to the very heights, turned to Peter with a significantly repeated question three times: “Simon the Jonah! Do you love Me more than they?” Now Peter does not dare to declare himself preferring others in this regard, but with the deepest sincerity he humbly answers Christ: “Yes, Lord! You know I love you. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” And another time Jesus says to Peter: “Simon the Jonah! do you love me? Peter says to Him: Yes, Lord! You know I love you. Jesus says to him, “Feed My sheep.” Then, as if in accordance with Peter’s three-fold denial, forgiving, restoring him and returning His trust to him, He says to him for the third time: “Simon the Jonah! do you love me? and said to Him: Lord! You know everything; You know I love you. Jesus says to him, “Feed My sheep.” And at the same time, foreseeing the future fate of His faithful follower, he added: “Truly, truly, I say to you: when you were young, you girded yourself and walked wherever you wanted; and when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and lead you where you do not want to go. He said this, making it clear by what death Peter would glorify God. And having said this, he said to him, “Follow Me.”

“Peter, turning, sees the disciple coming after him, whom Jesus loved, and who at the supper, bowing to His chest, said: Lord! who will betray you? When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus: Lord! what about him?

Jesus says to him: If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? you follow Me. And this word spread between the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus did not tell him that he would not die, but: if I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? (John 21, 15–23)

Blessing of the apostles for preaching throughout the world

Following this first appearance in Galilee, the Savior also appeared on a neighboring mountain (according to legend, on Mount Tabor). There He appointed His eleven disciples to gather, joined by more than five hundred of His disciples, to witness the great appearance of the God-Man risen from the dead. “There,” says the holy Apostle Paul, “He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, and some have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:6).

After His resurrection, for forty days the Lord continued, appearing to His disciples, to open their “minds to understand the Scriptures” and prepare them for the preaching of the Kingdom of God.

He told them: “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.” He reminded them that “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

“Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; and whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will take snakes; and if they drink anything deadly, it will not harm them; They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Ascension of the Lord

On the fortieth day after His resurrection, the Lord said to the disciples: “I will send the promise of My Father upon you; “But stay in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high,” “but wait for the promise of the Father, which you have heard from Me. For John baptized with water; and you, a few days after this, will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

“Therefore they came together and asked Him, saying, “Are You at this time, O Lord, restoring the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: It is not your business to know the times or seasons that the Father has appointed in His authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.

Having said this, He rose up in their sight, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. And when they looked at the sky, during His ascension, suddenly two men in white clothes appeared to them and said: Men of Galilee! Why are you standing and looking at the sky? This Jesus, who has ascended from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him ascending into heaven. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath’s journey away.” (Luke 24, 45–48. Matt. 28, 18–20. Mark 16, 15–18. Luke 24, 49. Acts 1, 4–12)

ACCORDING TO THE ORTHODOX PRESS